IN MEMORIAM
Rocco J. Lauria, 84
Jan. 25, 1936-April 14,2020
HARTWICK – Rocco Joseph Lauria, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, passed away late Tuesday morning, April 14, 2020, at Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. He was 84.
Born Jan. 25, 1936, in Utica, he was the son of Rocco and Norma (Bice) Lauria. After graduating with the Edmeston Central School Class of 1954, Rocco served for three years with the New York Army National Guard.
On April 14, 1956, Rocco married the former Louise Bunn in a ceremony at the parsonage of the Mount Vision Methodist Church.
Throughout his life, Rocco always enjoyed working at anything to do with the land. In later years, he especially enjoyed vegetable gardening and selling his produce at a roadside stand near his home. His gregarious nature led him to be able to strike up a conversation with just about anyone he met.
Rocco also had a competitive side to his personality, which was quite evident when he played golf, a sport he truly loved. He also enjoyed deer hunting.
Rocco was a member of the Hinman Hollow Grange, and was a faithful member of the Hartwick United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed leading the hymn singing for services.
Rocco is survived by his wife of 64 years, Louise B. Lauria of Hartwick; two daughters, Melody Ainsworth and husband, Chris of Rochester, Minnesota, and Teresa Hickling and husband, Brian of Edmeston; three sons, Brian Lauria of Hartwick, Jeffrey Lauria and wife, Dana of Erieville, and Kevin Lauria of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire; nine grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Doris Gould and husband, Bud of New Berlin, and Dolores Maxson and husband, Bob of West Edmeston, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents Rocco and Norma Lauria, Rocco was preceded in death by two great grandchildren, Mea Grace Stoecklin who died September 24, 2019, and Kyle Joseph Seamon who died March 26, 2020, and a sister, Philemena (Phyllis) Janet Tufts who died Nov. 3, 2012.
While there will be no services at this time, please remember the times you spent with Rocco, smile, and know that he is at peace.
For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Rocco, his family respectfully requests that memorial gifts be directed to the Hartwick United Methodist Church, PO Box 44, Hartwick, NY 13348.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
Spent many weekends at home of his parents while growing up as sister Phyllis an I were best friends.He always was kind an made his parents an siblings proud
Praying for you and your family r I p Rocco
Rocky, you will be missed. Your big smile and laugh will be remembered by all. We did a lot of visiting and storytelling with you and it was always interesting to see who remembered what memory. We know you are not in pain any more and you are now with the angels. Condolences to the family. We love you all, we love you Rocky.
Doris & Delores & families,
Sorry to read about your brothers passing. May you all feel God’s loving arms around you during this time.
To Louise and all of the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews —
you are being uplifted by the thoughts and prayers of all who knew Rocky. He was always such a warm and happy presence in the church and made everyone feel better by speaking to him. Over the years after moving into the big house on Bunn Hill, Rocky was such a help to mom and dad (Chamberlins) and they relied on him for so many things and were grateful for his friendship. He will be missed, but he will be waiting for us in heaven!